Library DIY (beta)

Integrating Sources into your Paper

Integrating Sources into Your Paper

It is important to draw on the work of scholars to support your ideas. Back up your points with supporting evidence from scholars to support your argument or thesis statement. You are contributing to a scholarly conversation with scholars who are experts on your topic. Make sure that your sources are cited properly.

Research as inquiry process is the foundation of scholarly research. Include your own voice with your analysis and ideas, along with scholars or experts. It is a good idea to address all sides of an argument to make your thesis stronger.

What is the best way to incorporate sources into your research paper?

Three ways to present sources in support of your central argument are:

  • Quotation - When you use the exact words from the source, you will need to put quotation marks around the words that are not your own and cite them.

  • Paraphrasing - When you state an idea from another source in your own words, you need to cite the source.

  • Summary - When you are presenting an overview of many ideas, a citation is still necessary.

More information can be found on the webpage, Quoting and Paraphrasing.

When including a source in your paper, use these three important components:

  • Give credit to the original research - Note the author, date, or any other relevant information when introducing a quote or paraphrase.

  • Cite supporting research - A direct quote, paraphrase, or summary must be properly cited in your research.

  • Relate your ideas - When incorporating research resources into your paper, relate your evaluation of the resource back to your original thesis.

Contact the PSU Writing Center for help with integrating sources into your paper.